Notes of Loss

This poem tells of my shock in hearing ‘God Save the King’ for the first time when for my whole life I have heard ‘Queen’.


In shock we tuned in to the rolling news,
And tears were shed across the nation,
Leaders stepped up to share loving views,
With tributes and stories of her dedication.
Oaths, pledges and prayers all about us rang,
As the coffin snaked to its lying in state,
While crowds laid flowers and choristers sang,
The country prepared for the funeral date.
For decades Her Majesty was always there,
Every note, coin and stamp displayed her fine head,
But that will now change to welcome her heir,
As pubs and mugs bear His name instead.
To ‘God Save the King’ we’ve already moved on,
Yet each sounding reminds us: our Queen is gone.